.220 Swift vs. .22-250

11 May 2003, 08:39

Dave R

I hunted with a buddy who shoots a .220 Swift. I was impressed with it. Seems like its pretty similar to .22-250. He shoots it at about 4000fps.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? I've heard .22-250 will suffer from throat erosion sooner than most chamberings. Does .220 Swift have the same problem?

11 May 2003, 15:52

Bigdaddytacp

quote:
Originally posted by Dave R:
I hunted with a buddy who shoots a .220 Swift. I was impressed with it. Seems like its pretty similar to .22-250. He shoots it at about 4000fps.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? I've heard .22-250 will suffer from throat erosion sooner than most chamberings. Does .220 Swift have the same problem?

....THey are very close in overall real world performance....either will eat a throat up if shot a lot fast and you get the barrel hot....the 22-250 is easier to find more ammo factory loaded and more guns chambered for it....it is a great shooter.....BUT the swift will give you a few fps more velocity and the brass is good and durable with a little care in the swift chambering....the swift often strechs more and requires trimming more often...BUT not always....I have had both and have a swift now.....I've seen gun rags quote a survey of a factory's test firing of similar rifles in 22-250 and swift and overall the large number of guns the swift gave slightly smaller groups on the average in like guns......fwiw...my old P64 Mod 70 light barrel has a throat that is showing wear but will still do .5 or so with the bullets seated out a little and for 3 shot groups with the light barrel....I'd pick the gun first and then see what chambering I found in the gun I liked....good luck and good shooting-loading!!

12 May 2003, 02:24

<Rusty>

I don't own a Seift, however I do own two 22-250s.
One is an Alamo Gun Works made on 98 Mauser action, the other a light weight Husqvarna. I find nothing lacking with the 22-250. I am very happy with the round.

I don't think factory ammo is a big deal with either of these rounds, unless you don't reload. Half the fun with either of these is roll'n your own.

The 22-250 and the 220 Swift are classics. Both have been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. Just like ever other rifle we own each of us has our favorites. Find the one you'd like to shoot. I have found that the one I like is the best rifle/round of all! If it makes you happy that's all that counts.

Rusty
We band of brothers

12 May 2003, 19:17

boltman

I've owned both and they're both great rounds. My original .220 swift was stolen and I couldn't get a replacement in the same make that I wanted (savage) so I went with a .22-250. The swift is slightly faster. Out of the two rifles I've had the .22-250 is slightly more accurate, but that could be differences in individual rifles. Both shot 1/2" groups easily so it's a moot point to me. I think it's generally accepted that the 22-250 is inherently more accurate, but you're not likely to be able to tell the difference except in benchrest guns. I never experienced the case stretching that's supposed to be so common with the swift, brass lasted forever with it for me. The only thing I didn't like about the swift was the semi-rimmed case which makes for difficult feeding from a magazine. In the world of varmit cartridges the swift reigns supreme. A .22-250 ackley improved will give virtually identical velocities as the swift and is a simple job to rechamber for any gunsmith from a .22-250. All in all it's six of one, half dozen of the other. I will throw in a pitch for the savage 12BVSS 22-250. The one I've got (with accutrigger) shoots consistent .3" groups out of the box with my handloads. The accuracy of this rifle is amazing.

22 May 2003, 11:30

Hollywood

quote:
Originally posted by boltman:
I will throw in a pitch for the savage 12BVSS 22-250. The one I've got (with accutrigger) shoots consistent .3" groups out of the box with my handloads. The accuracy of this rifle is amazing.

Boltman
Would you share your best loads that you're shooting in the 12BVSS with COL's.
Thanks
Hollywood

23 May 2003, 01:05

boltman

What I'm using is a 55 gr ballistic tip in front of 38.0 grains H380, federal GM210 primers, remington brass, seated to a COL of 2.517" which is kissing the lands in my rifle. To be honest there wasn't really any load development done for this rifle, I just seated the bullet out to the lands and it started shooting tiny groups.